5 Biggest Winners & Losers From WWE SmackDown Live (Oct 18)

2. Loser: Heath Slater

Heath Slater Kenny
WWE.com

Heath Slater and Rhyno are starting to run out of steam. Slater’s “free agent” story was an early highlight of SmackDown’s post-Draft shows, but they’ve reached a point where Slater has won his contract, captured a championship, and bought the above-ground pool. They need to start doing something more with the guy, because he can’t be the loveable loser forever, particularly with a Smackdown Tag Team Championship around his waist.

He and Rhyno saved Dolph Ziggler from a 3-on-1 assault at The Miz and The Spirit Squad’s hands last week, and they all came together for a big 6-man tag last night. Sadly, things didn’t go too well for the One Man Band: he got a couple of hot tags, but Slater fell victim to a cheap shot from Miz before Kenny rolled him up for the 1, 2, 3.

Slater has always been the team’s weak link, and this loss is only going to build tension between him Rhyno. The Spirit Squad have worked well since returning and now look to be in line for a title shot, and while this should be a favourable match for the champions, Slater in-particular took a big hit this week. He’s charismatic enough to overcome the loss, but how much longer will Heath be able to call himself a WWE champion for?

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.